30 November 2017 14:08 Join ICIS for a free half-day seminar in Houston, to understand the trends that have influenced the petrochemicals industry in 2017, and those that are set to shape 2018. Register here »

04 October 2017 14:18 ICIS will be speaking at a seminar hosted by Singapore Exchange on 10th October covering SM and MEG market outlook. More »

29 September 2017 09:20 Register for the 12th Annual GPCA Forum to join over 2,000 global attendees… More »

26 September 2017 17:09 ICIS Special Publication: GCC Fertilizers in Focus - The latest issue of GPCA Insight carries news and interviews on fertilizers in the GCC region and globally. More »

26 September 2017 16:55 ICIS Special Publication: Polyurethanes in the spotlight - These widely used polymers feature prominently in the latest special publication from ICIS, in association Dow Chemical. More »

04 September 2017 14:43 Join the ICIS networking discussion at EPCA in Berlin, ‘Aromatics and refining investments: are they aligned with the developing oil and petrochemical demand scenario?’ Register for free »

01 September 2017 16:45 Download the ICIS top 100 chemical companies of 2017 Find out more »

01 September 2017 11:04 The early booking discount for the ICIS African Base Oils & Lubricants Conference ends today. Find out more »

29 August 2017 16:48 We are proud to present this special issue of ICIS Chemical Business containing a selection of new and updated ICIS white papers and infographics. More »

26 May 2017 Solar power reaches a record high as it surges past nuclear and coal More »

04 May 2017 16:21 Polyolefins market outlook: senior consultant Fabrizio Galiè discusses the factors that are expected to affect European supply dynamics with Asia insight from John Richardson and North America insight from James Ray and Stephanie Kirby. Read now »

04 May 2017 09:58 Will you be at Chinaplas 2017? Join the free ICIS seminars, drop by our booth and unravel our polyolefins pricing intelligence. More »

03 May 2017 09:35 Are you attending APIC 2017? Meet with ICIS and learn more about the latest information and data available to you. Find out more »

02 May 2017 07:25 Do you have the right pricing tools to navigate the Asian chemical markets? Find out more here »

28 April 2017 17:53ICIS is offering a new monthly contract reference number in its US Butadiene/C4’s report in response to market calls for a direct average of contract nominations. More »

28 April 2017 09:06ICIS special publication: ASC - Adhesives and Sealant Council More »

27 April 2017 17:45Whitepaper: North American sulphur tightens heading into Q2. Find out more »

27 April 2017 17:43Whitepaper: ICIS investigates the ongoing LNG contract dispute between Mexico’s state power utility CFE and term supplier Shell. Download now »

26 April 2017 10:27 Meet with ICIS during Chinaplas 2017, 16-19 May in Guangzhou, China. More »

25 April 2017 18:00 New conference brochure now available to download for The 6th ICIS European Butadiene and Derivatives Conference taking place in September. Expert speakers, full agenda, discouted rates and much more... Download now »

06 April 2017 12:28 Updated brochure now available for our US Phenol and Acetone event coming up in June. Get the full agenda and speaker line up details as well as exclusive ICIS subscriber show specials. Download now »

02 February 2017 14:25 The 21st ICIS World Base Oils & Lubricants Conference attracts more than 600 attendees from throughout the value chain from beginning to end. Visit the conference website to find out why you need to be there on 15 February... More »

02 February 2017 08:30 Increased risks for polyolefins? ICIS looks at what the year ahead may bring for Asian polyolefins markets in a world turned upside down. Download the whitepaper here »

01 February 2017 16:30Europe Energy Market Outlook: Key supply, demand and regulation developments which are likely to impact prices on the natural gas, LNG and power markets. More »

26 January 2017 07:51Special feature: Global Chemicals Outlook 2017 Series covering expert analysis on the market conditions in 2016 and the likely outlook for key chemical markets. More »

24 January 2017 12:45 What is the outlook for global LNG markets in 2017? Watch the video and download the white paper here »

24 January 2017 11:18 ICIS is pleased to offer a free seminar at E-World Essen 2017, covering how risk management is affected by European energy markets today. Register now »

20 January 2017 16:30 British energy regulator Ofgem has chosen ICIS to provide gas and electricity market data for use in its Supplier Cost Index. More »

18 January 2017 11:47 Market highlight: Belgian ZTP gas liquidity rockets to record in December More »

21 December 2016 16:57 Infographic: Phosphates developments in Africa by 2022 More »

21 December 2016 13:23 Market highlight: German gas imports rise to two-year high in October More »

20 December 2016 11:00 Watch the latest ICIS Webinar: Kickstarting the Spanish Gas Market, where we discuss how Spain's natural gas hub has experienced a marked increase in over-the-counter trade in 2016. More »

08 November 2016 06:10 Join us in Houston for the Global LNG Markets and Pricing training course on 08 December to understand LNG pricing mechanisms and trading patterns shaping this competitive landscape. Sign up here »

07 October 2016 09:31 Market outlook: what does the future hold for polyolefins, polystyrene, benzene and styrene markets? More »

06 October 2016 13:00 Whitepaper: The Netherlands’ new Groningen gas production plan More »

06 October 2016 08:44 Master the key principals of procurement from the ICIS Advanced Purchasing Skills training course happening from 16-17 November 2016 in Houston. Sign up now to get a 10% discount »

06 October 2016 07:03 ICIS has enhanced its phenol coverage by adding a domestic Indian price assessment to give you a more complete picture of the Asian industry. More »

11 August 2016 10:25 Upcoming LNG webinar: What's the outlook for US LNG exports and Europe? ICIS LNG market experts discuss the outlook for US LNG production alongside a short-term view of European markets. Reserve your spot now »

02 June 2016 10.45Watch this short webinar which focuses on the developments in the Acrylate Esters market in Europe More »

02 June 2016 07:59News story of the week: Asia buyers may switch to non-China TiO2 after price surge. More »

01 June 2016 14:00Free infographic: how are the French strikes impacting the petrochemical industry? More »

26 May 2016 18:00Strikes in France have been ongoing since the 18 May, ICIS graphics and news help you assess the situation. Read more »

26 May 2016 09:50Free download: Gain access to expert insights from the ICIS presentations during APIC 2016. Access the content now »

25 May 2016 09:05LNG Infographic: Trading in the Atlantic Basin is expected to increase with the start of US LNG exports. Download this infographic to view emerging trade routes with shipping netbacks. Download here »

23 May 2016Gas generation in Britain set for 'comeback': ICIS Read more »

23 May 2016 14:30Special Publication: APIC 2016 - ICIS and Japan’s The Chemical Daily have produced a special 76-page publication looking at petrochemical markets, investments and trends in Asia. More »

17 March 2016 10:30Access an ICIS special report on Asian oleochemicals. More »

17 March 2016 06:32Gain insights on market trends, price drivers and movements within Australia and other key regions. Speak with ICIS LNG market experts at LNG18 in Perth, Australia. Book a meeting now »

08 October 2015OilVoice: US Oil Exports And The Struggle For Jobs more »

07 October 2015 10:12Download this Whitepaper which examines this winter’s emerging fundamental risks and asks: Is the UK, and the wider European energy complex, really as fit for winter as the numbers suggest? more »

07 October 2015 09:35Get to grips with the basics of fertilizers production and shipping with our upcoming fertilizers training course in Shanghai more »

07 October 2015 06:24ICIS will be exhibiting at Gastech 2015 on 27-30 October. more »

07 October 2015OilVoice: Oil stocks at record levels as demand growth slows, supply rises more »

05 October 2015 08:20LNG Market Analysis: A new dawn in Egyptian gas markets. more »

05 October 2015 06:16ICIS will be speaking at the Asian Downstream Week from 28-29 October at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore. more »

05 October 2015OilVoice: The Price Of Oil: Another Huge Historical Shift more »

05 October 2015The Times: Britain may have to ‘go Dutch’ to avoid blackouts more »

02 October 2015 17:55Our monthly European Clean Energy Markets (ECEM) report now includes Access to the latest price assessments and much more more »

02 October 2015 16:30The ICIS Power Index Q3 analysis shows falling prices, but supply risks are still present in the market ahead of winter. more »

02 October 2015Energy Live News: UK energy prices lowest since 2010 more »

02 October 2015The Times: Biomass switch to rescue power station more »

02 October 2015BBC Radio 4 Today Programme: Head of Power, ICIS, Zoe Double on power prices more »

01 October 2015 03:06ICIS expands its China coverage of LNG with a comprehensive report on marine fuel and bunkering sectors. more »

29 September 2015 08:34Gain deeper insight into the Asian vinyl chain markets with a free whitepaper highlighting the current market overview and outlook. more »

13 April 2015 14:30 ICIS will be in Seoul for APIC and KICHEM from 6-9 May 2015. Meet with ICIS experts as we discuss what’s happening in the Asian chemicals market by visiting our exhibition stand more »

Special Publication: GPCA - Circular economy and innovation

The latest issue of the GPCA Insight quarterly newsletter, produced by ICIS for GPCA, looks in depth at the circular economy, digitalisation and innovation strategy, as well as reporting on GPCA news and activities

ICIS Interactive: Base oils - Markets pause as growth resumes

Video interviews from the recent London ICIS World Base Oils & Lubricants conference feature in this online publication, the first issue of ICIS interactive for the year. Hear what speakers from ExxonMobil, Fuchs Petrolub, Neste and DYM Resources have to say, plus market updates from ICIS editors in Europe and Asia.

Mexican presidential aspirants have begun gearing up for the 2018 campaign season. The question yet to be answered: how will Mexico’s 2018 elections impact the progress already made in liberalizing the country’s energy markets?

Find out whether Mexico’s laws are sufficiently robust to protect the country’s energy reforms and the related gas and power investments.

Special Publication: NACD - US economic growth boost distribution

The latest edition of NACD’s Chemical Distributor, produced by ICIS, looks at regulatory, business and economic topics affecting the US chemical distribution sector, and has reports on e-commerce and Millennial recruitment and talent.

Liquidity Development at Balkan Day-Ahead Power Exchanges

While the electricity markets in the Balkans have been developing in recent years, day-ahead volumes traded through the local exchanges are still relatively low, with most of the liquidity remaining with the benchmark HUPX.

In this infographic, ICIS tracks the changes in liquidity of Balkan day-ahead power exchanges from 2016 to 2017, and indicates countries yet to launch an exchange.

Polymer Sustainability Challenges

Would our lives be really that much worse if we had to buy a re-usable cup and remember to take it with us every time we visit an espresso bar? Will sustainability replace globalisation as the biggest value driver for the polymers industry?

Download this insight by ICIS Consultant John Richardson to find out about the challenges faced by the new EU Plastics Strategy.

Infographic: Will European base oil prices see support from refinery outages in 2018?

Last year base oil prices in Europe saw support from refinery outages. With scheduled maintenance expected this year, will the uptrend continue this year?

This infographic by ICIS experts Vicky Ellis and Sarah Trinder looks at the correlation between refinery maintenance season, plant outages and price increases to identify trends. Download a copy and understand how these changes affect the base oils market.

Middle East market insight: The race to dominate the emerging LAB markets

Two world-scale plants will soon be on stream in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. In this market insight, ICIS takes a look at how the added capacity in this region is expected to put downward pressure on markets, even though linear alkyl benzene prices are firming due to increasing oil and benzene prices.

ICIS Special publication: Base oils take a pause

European Polyolefins Outlook 2018

Linda Naylor explores the challenges , threats and opportunities that lie ahead for the polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets for 2018. In particular, potential impact of the new North American capacities on the European PE market.

Going Long on Coal Front-Year/Year+2 Spread Tends to Pay Off

Over the course of six out of the past eight years – including all of the past five – the Rotterdam coal front year has gained more (or lost less) than the year+2 contract.

In this infographic, ICIS market reporter, William Peck, shows movements in the spreads between the two contracts over this period, and looks ahead to determine whether the pattern will repeat this year.

Mexico Energy Outlook 2018

Mexico’s energy reform has entered into its sixth and most decisive year yet, as the country gears up for a presidential election in July 2018, against the backdrop of ongoing renegotiations over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the US and Canada.

As the leading information provider for the Mexican gas and power markets, ICIS is pleased to provide you with the Mexico Energy Outlook covering the most important milestones and development stages for both sectors through 2018.

European Natural Gas Outlook 2018

Download the outlook for an insight into several large natural gas projects, including two market mergers, which could reshape the current trading landscape, as well as the resumption of supply from Russia to Ukraine, which has the potential to shake the market in central Europe and reshape the trading landscape.

New Petrochemicals Plant Capacity and Expansions in Europe

For the last five years, the European chemicals industry has faced uncertainty, with some financiers referring to the European economy as ‘structurally damaged’. Yet, despite previous announcements of closures of European petrochemicals plants, for many companies, 2017 was better-than-expected.

This infographic and market insight piece by European News Editor, Jonathan Lopez, represents the new plant capacity and expansions for the European petrochemicals market in years to come.

Chemical profile: Middle East polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Read the latest chemical profile by ICIS markets editor, Ruth Loh Xiu, which provides an overview of uses, technology, supply/demand and prices for Middle East PET to help you make more informed business decisions in 2018.

Despite the ongoing import pipeline capacity build out from the US, Mexico’s natural gas demand shows no signs of abating. In a bid to stabilise the supply picture in the country’s Southeast, state companies CFE and Pemex are now eyeing LNG as a temporary solution until new pipeline infrastructure comes online.

Innovation and capacity expansions in North American plastics are explored in this special publication produced by ICIS in association with the Plastics Industry Association, organiser of next year’s NPE2018 plastics convention. Also featured are plastics in automotives, biopolymers, plastics recycling and 3D printing.

Video interviews with senior chemical industry executives at this year’s Annual GPCA Forum are featured in this latest ICIS interactive. Listen to views on industry transformation, sustainability and digitalisation and learn about the GPCA’s Legacy Initiative to recognise pioneers of the Arabian Gulf chemical industry.

Winds of change in the polyolefins market

Significant changes can be expected in the global polyolefins market in 2018.

In North America, all eyes are on the long-term impact of Hurricane Harvey on supplies, while in Asia, the success or otherwise of Chi­na’s economic reforms will have a huge bearing on consumption. In Europe, supply and demand are driving the market, which is expected to remain healthy into 2018.

The latest ICIS interactive brings you news and interviews from the November annual meeting of the National Association of Chemical Distributors in San Antonio, Texas, which saw delegates in positive mood in terms of business and regulatory issues.

How temperature within the UK and France has an effect on energy demand

ICIS analysis has found that an average daily temperature of below 9°C in the UK and France is the tipping point as to where wholesale power and gas prices have started to rise over the last three years.

This infographic shows how cooler temperatures impact energy demand in the UK and France, and the effect they have on pricing.

ICIS Special supplement: Strathcona - Invest in Canada

This 8-page special ICIS publication looks at developments in Strathcona County, Alberta, Canada, and how it is gearing up to attract downstream petrochemical investment to add to it oil, gas and refinery activities.

ICIS reveals the winners of its Innovation Awards 2017 competition, with articles on the winners and sponsors, and views from the judging panel. Read about AkzoNobel, Genomatica, Enerkem and Dow Chemical’s outstanding innovations.

ICIS special supplement: ICIS interactive - Polyurethane review

This ICIS interactive reports from the ACC’s Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) annual technical conference, including video interviews with key industry and association executives and winners of the CPI innovation awards

ICIS special supplement: Chemical Distributor – chemicals on the move

The latest edition of NACD’s Chemical Distributor, produced by ICIS, looks at regulatory, business and environmental issues, and previews the key speakers at the NACD annual meeting in San Antonio in November.

Mounting uncertainty over French nuclear supply

France's nuclear fleets have been scrutinised by regulators this year and last over safety issues. Initial schedules to bring the plants back online have not been kept to as shown in this latest infographic by ICIS.

Gas projects in southeast Europe and Turkey

Turkey and southeast European countries have been struggling to diversify their natural gas resources and supply routes. Over the years, numerous projects have been initiated – but many have fallen through either due to lack of commercial viability, complex regional politics or changing global conditions.

View the latest infographic by ICIS to see which projects are approaching their commissioning date

Rhine river transport challenges the petrochemical industry

The Rhine waterways are a vital transport link for the petrochemical industry, with many companies situated near its banks. Periods of low water have occurred with increasing frequency in recent years, causing disruption and expense.

Is the Rhine going to become increasingly problematic to use for business in the coming years? Find out with this in depth ICIS insight into the future of the Rhine water levels and expectations for climate developments.

What is the outlook for base oils in the Middle East & Asia

This outlook by senior editor manager Veena Pathare and markets editor Izham Ahmad provides an overview of the major factors that will have an impact on base oils tradeflows and eventually prices in 2018.

ICIS Special Supplement: CPI Polyurethanes 2017

Polyurethane markets, US and EU regulatory issues and workplace diversity are all explored in this special ICIS publication produced in association with ACC for its annual CPI Polyurethanes Technical Conference, this year held in New Orleans.

Your EPCA 2017 Round-up

The 51st European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) in Berlin was bursting with optimism and excitement. Petrochemical producers in Europe are facing continuing pressures within the modern economy to keep up with demand however given the economic backdrop, competitiveness has increased.

Insight: Europe PP and PE buyers facing hikes

This latest insight piece, by ICIS Senior Editor Linda Naylor, looks at how Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) buyers in Europe are facing higher prices for October, as new capacity comes on stream in North America.

Aromatics head into calmer waters

The global aromatics market has been through a turbulent 2017, with supply disruptions, inventory fluctuations and unusual trade patterns. This article gives an outlook for 2018, and details why the authors expect calmer waters ahead.

Download: Insights on Chinese oil supply and demand

China has overtaken the US as the world’s top crude importer. At the same time, as more independent refiners are starting up in China, there is now a supply glut in distillates, resulting in China now exporting.

Access a presentation covering insights on the impact of China’s rising oil demand and surplus on international market players.

ICIS Special Publication: GCC Fertilizers in Focus

ICIS Carbon Markets Almanac 2017

The ICIS Carbon Markets Almanac provides a top-level view of global efforts to combat climate change with cap-and-trade systems. For each of the different schemes worldwide, it highlights key design characteristics and includes spotlight articles discussing specific system features.

Our overarching breakout articles for 2017 include an analysis of the post-2020 carbon world and how we will get there, a discussion of President Trump’s impact on carbon trading, as well as a study on the Brexit and its effect on EU carbon and power markets.

Saudi Arabia’s Sadara Chemical Co announced its long-awaited entry into the polyether polyols supply chain recently in a relatively low-key affair. In this paper, ICIS studies the impact of the debutant in the Middle East polyols industry on prices since the official announcement, highlighting the limited impact seen so far in what is widely considered to be a well-supplied segment.

ICIS European Chemicals Mid-Year Outlooks and Videos

It has been a challenging start to the year for a number of key petrochemical products. Some markets have moved from volatility to stability over the last six months, and players are questioning what the rest of 2017 may bring. ICIS has published a series of outlooks, examining supply and demand expectations for the third quarter.

View the latest video interviews and read the market outlooks in which the olefins, aromatics, polyolefins and titanium dioxide (TiO2) editors provide an insight into what to expect in the coming months.

The European titanium dioxide (TiO2) market has seen extreme swings in price and supply over some years now.

Due to the price pressure and recent European Chemical Agency (ECHA) recommendation to classify TiO2 as a category 2 carcinogen, when inhaled, there is an underlying drive for buyers to reduce their TiO2 content and explore substitution possibilities. However, while this may be an option, technical limitations apply and there is an underlying need for a period of stability where economic sustainability is supported through the chain for the sake of the whole industry.

Infographic: Why natural gas stocks in Europe are low in summer 2017

European storage sites entered the gas summer on 1 April with depleted stocks due to a cold winter, and high prompt prices have discouraged shippers from replenishing these stocks.

This infographic looks at the levels of gas in store, the price spreads which have contributed to the low levels and the injections needed to replenish sites by the beginning of the gas winter on 1 October.

Asia Mid-year Review 2017

Chemical Profile: Middle East Base Oils

The base oils market in the Middle East is increasingly of interest to market players globally. Upcoming capacity within the region has not only an impact on tradeflows across markets, but is also slated to impact prices in key regions.

Read the latest chemical profile by senior editor manager, Veena Pathare, which provides an overview of uses, technology, supply/demand and prices for Middle East base oils to help you make more informed business decisions.

UK polyethylene price volatility might have been expected post the Brexit referendum. The value of sterling plunged once the outcome was known. And the pound has been volatile since.

This insight piece put together by leading ICIS editors Nigel Davis and Linda Naylor, who presented at a British Plastics Federation (BPF) Brexit conference, discusses the recent differential between the UK and EU polymer prices, and highlights the areas of uncertainty facing the plastics industry before the divorce settlement with the EU is agreed.

Sulphuric acid supply is expected to remain globally short until the first quarter of 2018 because of a heavy fourth quarter smelter turnaround schedule. Spot prices have increased tightly during the second quarter as buyers turn to the typically more expensive burned sulphuric acid due to the lack of smelter sulphuric acid on the market. The increased reliance on burned sulphuric acid, which is largely being sourced from China, has had a knock-on effect on upstream sulphur prices.

Market Insight: Europe Styrene - From Volatility To Stability?

The European styrene market faced some dramatic price movements during the first quarter of this year, with a strong upward trend that started in November 2016. This was followed by sharp drops in April and May. After the sudden and severe price fluctuations during most of the first half of the year, styrene players are more optimistic and confident that the market might have entered a period of stability.

Read this market insight from markets editor Vasiliki Parapouli to understand what's happening in the European styrenics market.

In this insight Nigel Davis, ICIS Insight editor, reviews Europe’s economic performance in spite of uncertainties surrounding how Britain will exit the European Union which weighs heavily on the markets.

The base oils market in UAE has remained firm since early this year, buoyed by tight supply fundamentals across Group I and Group II categories. However, the second half of the year is slated to see a reversal in this price trend, with prices expected to come under pressure from improved supply and other factors.

With the recent general election in the UK stoking uncertainty about negotiations between the UK and the EU, Steve Elliott, CEO of the UK’s Chemical Industries Association (CIA), discusses the need for a “pragmatic Brexit” with ICIS’s Jonathan Lopez and considers the options for Brexit and what it means for the UK’s petrochemical industry.

French spark spreads point to high summer gas burn

Positive spark spreads indicate gas-fired power generation will play a major role in France’s electricity generation sector this summer.

ICIS looks at the key reasons why spark spreads – which indicate when gas-fired generation is profitable against coal – have become more profitable. These include the nuclear generation issues that plagued the French energy markets at the back-end of 2016.

German market insight: German chemical majors share great expectations

Chemical producers in Germany share a renewed sense of optimism after a strong first quarter. With a surge in sales, improved profits and robust demand, the consensus is that their strategies are clearly paying dividends. Custom Publishing editor at ICIS, Andy Brice, looks at their performance during the first three months of the 2017 and the expectations moving forward.

EU ETS White Paper: Brexit risks for the European carbon market

This White Paper, provides a scenario-based assessment analysing the impact of Britain’s exit on the EU ETS market balance and as well as our mid-term outlook for EU Allowance (EUA) prices. We found that the most bearish EUA price risk is associated with a scenario where the lead time between the announcement of Brexit and the actual end of compliance obligations for UK installations is reduced to a minimum, and when Brexit takes place before the end of phase three in 2020.

ICIS Infographic: Will the oil output cut extension be enough?

ICIS Whitepaper: US government encourages China on long-term LNG exports

The US Department of Commerce has announced measures to encourage US LNG exports to China following a meeting between the presidents of the United States and China in April. The announcement has been welcomed by the LNG industry as a way to boost long-term contractual discussions between the two countries.

Download the whitepaper to learn more from ICIS China’s gas experts on China’s growing appetite for natural gas and LNG. ICIS China also provides insight on the developments of domestic gas market participants and a forecast for gas consumption through 2021.

Special publication: An insight on Asian petrochemicals

ICIS and Japan’s Chemical Daily focus on Asian petrochemical markets in this year’s special publication, produced for the APIC meeting in Sapporo, Japan, in mid-May. In-depth features in the 76-page publication analyse commodity markets, company strategies, capital investment and M&A activity. Key developments in China are reviewed

Global methyl methacrylate (MMA) players are looking to the Middle East, in the hope of finding some relief to the current shortness in supply. Supply started to tighten in the second-half of 2016, with a series of planned and unplanned plant outages in Asia as the catalyst. Since that point, the global supply situation has gone from bad to worse, with prices soaring in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

This ICIS market insight and infographic, by senior editor manager Katherine Sale, examines the key events that led to the global shortage of product, the drivers for the year to come and, most importantly, evaluates whether there will be any easing to the supply constraints in 2017.

Butadiene: chemical profile and value chain package

The global butadiene (BD) market can be the most volatile among major petrochemicals. View the key dynamics of the European BD market including uses, supply/demand, pricing, technology and outlook from ICIS Chemical Business’ (ICB) latest chemical profile. Plus, see how the BD chain works on a global basis with analysis and forecasts on supply/demand factors across the entire value chain.

The ICIS Petrochemical Index and cracker margin data have charted the spectacular uptick for some intermediates this year. Rising prices, largely driven by specific regional supply and demand issues, have not been matched by raw material cost increases, and price deltas have improved.

ICIS Insights editor Nigel Davis analyses European margins against competitors in other regions, and who the big winners are from the current price trends.

ICIS Market Outlook: Contrasting Fortunes For Polyolefins

Polyolefins demand in Europe is continuing to grow in 2017, underpinned by economic improvements. Supply is expected to remain tight in the first half of the year but market conditions could change significantly from mid-2017.

ICIS senior consultant Fabrizio Galiè discusses the factors that are expected to affect European supply dynamics. Download the article, which includes insights on Asia from John Richardson and on North America from James Ray and Stephanie Kirby, to better understand the global polyolefins market outlook.

Whitepaper: Mexican Standoff: The Case of Manzanillo LNG

In this whitepaper, ICIS investigates the ongoing LNG contract dispute between Mexico’s state power utility CFE and term supplier Shell. While price remains a factor, Mexico’s changing natural gas supply fundamentals are complicating the issue.

Whitepaper: North American sulphur tightens heading into Q2

The North America sulphur markets have grown tight in the last month of Q1 on a combination of oil sands divestments, plant outages and turnarounds. Export prices firmed at the beginning of the year in Vancouver and California, but softened in March as outside demand quieted.

ICIS Interactive: ASC - Adhesives and Sealant Council

News and views from the US Adhesive and Sealant Council’s conference in Atlanta in April are covered in the latest ICIS interactive online publication, containing video interviews with keynote speakers and ASC executives

PU/isocyanates market insight by Izham Ahmad

The supply of isocyanates, key ingredients in the polyurethanes (PU) industry, to the Middle East is currently dominated by producers in northeast Asia. However, the entry of Saudi Arabia’s Sadara has the potential to change those dynamics. That could have an impact on prices, from as early as this year, as material from the Dow-Aramco joint venture starts to trickle into a crowded market.

On 22 March 2017, European Spot Gas Markets (ESGM) – the benchmark price report for the continent’s traded natural gas hubs – boosted its subscriber offering with the addition of volatility indices for key assessments at the German NCG and GASPOOL markets and the Italian PSV.

White paper: What is the potential impact of the Trump administration on the US energy industry?

ICIS takes a closer look at how key sectors within the US energy industry were shaped by the Obama administration and what the potential market impact could be under the helm of President Donald Trump.

2017 has been marked by dramatic movements in global styrene prices, driven largely by supply-side developments as well as underlying feedstock movement. Through it all, however, margins have remained at high levels and ICIS believes they are likely to continue strong.

Download the latest insight from ICIS senior editor Rhian O'Connor to better understand the recent developments and the outlook for styrene markets.

ICIS Special supplement: ASC - Customer insights drive growth

Adhesives and sealants are the focus of the latest special publication from ICIS, prepared in association with the US Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) for its spring convention in Atlanta. The Trump administration, chemical safety regulations, cyber security, customer engagement and innovation and biobased materials are all featured in indepth articles.

Imports into the structurally short US benzene market fell about 18% year-on-year in 2016 compared with 2015, as downstream issues in derivatives such as styrene weighed on demand. Meanwhile, benzene prices rose late in 2016 on a rally in upstream crude oil as well as several issues at refineries on the Gulf Coast.

On the demand side, China's appetite for benzene ahead of its Lunar New Year holiday spurred price increases and US exports to China in December. The US benzene market is structurally short and relies on imports to meet about 20% of consumption. South Korea, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Brazil continue to be key suppliers to the US market. Explore these trends in our benzene infographic.

The shale boom continues to fuel the boom in ethylene production in the US and has spurred growth in ethylene exports while virtually pushing out all ethylene imports. Exports to key destinations such as China and India grew in 2016 from 2015 amid a more than 13% increase in overall US ethylene exports in 2016 from the year before. Explore these trends in our ethylene infographic.

AFPM Special publication

North American petrochemicals expansion and the Trump effect are analysed in the latest ICIS special publication, produced with AFPM for its International Petrochemical Conference in San Antonio. Topics such as capacity start-ups and ethane supply, logistics, talent and TCSA implantation are all covered in depth.

US Natural Soda Ash Industry Seeks to Maintain Global Competitiveness

The growing capacity of soda ash from China over the past few decades is a major challenge which has threatened the profitability of US soda ash miners, most of whom are located in the state of Wyoming.

Another challenge for the US soda ash market is new production from Turkey, which is expected to come online in August of 2017.

ICIS Whitepaper: Trump Uncertainties Cloud Chem M&A Outlook

For years, persistently slow growth has been the driving force behind chemical mergers and acquisitions. With growth at such a sluggish pace, chemical companies have relied on deal-making to achieve growth through synergies. The administration of Donald Trump could change that, given his proposals to lower taxes, reform regulations and spend more on infrastructure. In this whitepaper, Al Greenwood looks at how some of Trump's policies could affect the outlook for growth.

US Glycerine Market, Sticker Shock Amid Uncertain Times

Talks for Q2 refined glycerine contracts are happening and the market seems to be seeing a unique mix of factors that could push prices higher. Uncertainty in the biodiesel sector in the first quarter of every year has been a constant for many years now, but this year the uncertainty level is even more pronounced.

Meanwhile, imported product from southeast Asia has pulled back as sharply higher palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) prices eroded margins for fatty acids production since December. Large producers in southeast Asia have increased kosher vegetable glycerine prices at US ports, but still see current prices as too low to cover refining and logistics costs.

Whitepaper: Urea Prices Correct Downwards in February After Six Months of Gains

The urea market has seen a downward correction in February with domestic demand slowing in key markets including China and the US. Real buying interest is yet to return and there is a lot of talk of whether prices are close to a bottom or if there is more pain ahead.

In this piece, ICIS editor Deepika Thapliyal looks at the key factors affecting the urea market.

Market Insight: Iran re-enters base oils and petrochemical markets

ICIS editors Veena Pathare, Jasmine Khoo and Muhamad Fadhil look at recent developments in sanctions against Iran and its implications for the petrochemicals markets and analyse the Iranian base oils industry

ICIS Market Insight: European MEG - An Atypical Start To 2017

In the first two months of 2017, the European monoethylene glycol (MEG) market saw two consecutive triple-digit increases in the monthly contract price, and spot prices reached their highest level since June 2015.

Special publication: Web portal wants a chemical reaction

A new online distribution portal hopes to revolutionise the chemical industry. ICIS, in association with GoBuyChem.com, looks at the changing buying and selling habits of customers, and showcases a new website and app that offers a transparent, simple and cost-effective way of sourcing chemicals.

Market insight: European PET vs R-PET for 2017

European polyethylene terephthalate (PET) prices have been rising in late 2016 and early 2017. Upstream price increases and a lack of competitive imports have caused PET prices to rise and this has led to some buyers reviewing their options.

Do higher PET prices make recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) an attractive alternative for buyers? Is switching from PET to R-PET a viable alternative? What impact are rising PET prices having on the R-PET market?

Infographic: European Ethylene Review 2016

The ICIS European Ethylene Review of 2016 provides an at-a-glance reference view of the key features of the ethylene market including cracker output, supply and margins, pricing and international trade. The infographic also includes a European map of scheduled cracker turnarounds for 2017.

Special publication: ICIS Interactive 2017 - World Base Oils London

In this special interactive magazine from the 21st World Base Oils And Lubricants Conference, ICIS brings you interviews with some of the key players in the market, looking at the main issues affecting the industry and what to expect in the year ahead.

Infographic: Power prices surged across Europe in winter 2016/17

Power prices surged across Europe in winter 2016/17 due to cold weather and nuclear outages.

France was the epicentre of the outages and some of the nuclear fleet remains offline. There was a knock-on impact on prices across the region as France is western Europe’s biggest electricity exporter.

ICIS looks at the fundamental factors which could determine system tightness.

Market Insight: Unexpectedly bullish start for base oils

The European Group I base oils market has got off to an unexpectedly bullish start in 2017 amid tight supply of SN150 and SN500 brought about by production issues at a number of refineries. Despite this, brightstock supply is surprisingly healthy – but how long will this continue? Furthermore, what impact will rising Group I prices have on the Group III market?

The ICIS March East Asia Index (EAX) for spot LNG cargoes was assessed for the final time at $7.125/MMBtu on 15 February, down $1.200/MMBtu since becoming the front month on 16 January. As a front month, the contract had peaked on its first day of assessment at $8.325/MMBtu on 16 January and was at its low on the final assessment day.

White paper: Urals grade: A new oil benchmark?

In this white paper, ICIS explores if the launch of the Urals Futures – the first Russian-designed oil futures contract – on the Saint-Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) in November 2016 could prove a decisive step in achieving what the country sees as an improved, Russian oil pricing mechanism.

Americas Chemicals Market Outlook 2017

How will the major developments that pose uncertainty to the global petrochemicals market influence price and market movements in 2017?

ICIS answers these questions and more through the Americas chemicals outlook magazine and a series of short videos which provide a detailed market review of 2016 and analysis of the likely market outlook for 2017.

Fertilizer Industry Starts 2017 Amid Political, Economic Uncertainty

Like other commodities, fertilizers face an uncertain 2017 due to political and economic uncertainty on both sides of the Atlantic, with consolidation expected by players looking to follow in the footsteps of Canadian giants PotashCorp and Agrium – who should receive regulatory approval for their mega-merger in the summer.

ICIS white paper: 2016 – The LNG Year in Review

The LNG market in 2016 saw a flurry of new Australian and US production start-up but plant outages stemmed the flow of cargoes. Spot prices fell on weak East Asian demand for much of the year but new buyers came into the market.

In this white paper, ICIS offers a thorough review of all the key global LNG events and changes over 2016.

Webinar: An introduction to ICIS data used in the prepayment price cap

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has selected ICIS data to calculate its price cap for prepayment customers.

We held a webinar on 26 January 2017 to help you understand the market data used in these calculations and how to adapt to this new requirement. The event was presented by Zoe Double, ICIS’ Head of Power.

Supply concerns continue to push UK wholesale energy prices higher

UK wholesale energy market prices have continued to climb in Q4 2016, prompted by concerns over gas storage levels and tighter power margins, according to analysis of the energy markets published by ICIS, the independent authority on energy market pricing.

Whitepaper: North America's looking at six polypropylene plants

This whitepaper reviews the polypropylene plants that companies are considering in North America and explains the reasons why these plants could be built, going over margins for the polymer and comparing them with other parts of the world.

The continent could get at least six such plants. The whitepaper names the companies behind the projects and provides their level of progress. It also explains whether North America will have enough propylene to supply these and other derivative plants that are being proposed.

Whitepaper: World Class Purchasing

Senior Consultant James Ray discusses the preliminary steps necessary to achieve World Classpurchasing skills. Learn how to make the most beneficial deals for your company and avoid making costly mistakes that you end up paying for year after year.

Phosphates developments in Africa by 2022

Africa will be the focus of 2017 and beyond with new phosphates capacity coming on stream and new players entering the market. As the phosphates market starts 2017 under pressure, with prices edging downwards globally and subdued demand, Africa emerges as an active demand outlet.

ICIS takes a look at the major companies that are going to play a big role in the next five years on the continent, and the main developments that are likely to shape the market by 2022.

ICIS Top 40 Power Players 2016 chemical executive ranking revealed

The ICIS Top 40 Power Players, a global ranking of the leading senior executives making the greatest positive impact on their companies and the industry through investments, shifts in business models, mergers and acquisitions, and innovation, has been published by ICIS Chemical Business magazine.

ICIS Special publication: NACD annual meeting highlights

Watch video interviews from NACD’s 2016 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona in November. This ICIS interactive magazine looks at the key issues from the event, including leadership, mentoring, regulation and the recent presidential election.

Italian Referendum: Impacts on the chemical industry

Following on from the result of the recent Italian Referendum, where 59.1% of Italians voted against the proposed reforms, ICIS takes a closer look at what impact this could have on the Italian chemicals market.

Special publication: GPCA members directory published

ICIS has now published the GPCA members directory “Connecting the Gulf 2016-2017” on behalf of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA). It profiles all 35 full members and 215 associate members, giving contact information and a brief company description. A product finder is also included.

PP shortages in 2015 impact 2017 sentiment

In this white paper ICIS editor Linda Naylor discusses the difficult choices available to PP contract buyers in Europe next year, and how the shortages of 2015 are still having an impact on the market.

Should they bite the bullet and accept higher prices to ensure security of supply next year? Or, as some are doing, reject what they consider to be unreasonable price hikes but risk not having the volume if supply is interrupted?

The future of the European chloralkali market is becoming clear, as the majority of mercury cell producers have announced whether they will close or convert their capacity. With this bugbear of the European caustic soda market now fading into the background, the question now becomes: what will be the impact on chloralkali producers and their downstream markets?

In this white paper, ICIS examines the early implications of pan-European network code reforms on one of Europe’s outliers, Spain, and looks at whether the changes will be enough to provoke a hoped-for surge in liquidity in the region.

Market commentary: How will uncertainty for styrenics impact polystyrene?

2016 styrene production levels have been strong in Europe and the US, but now the US styrene market is tightening on supply outages and impacting the availability of material for export to the rest of the world.

Read the latest market commentary from ICIS Senior Analyst Rhian O'Connor to get a clearer picture of the uncertainties in the styrenics market and how they are impacting PS prices.

Market outlook: Will Europe PMMA lighting applications shine in 2017?

Read the latest market outlook for European polymethyl methacrylate from ICIS editor Katherine Sale to learn about the key areas of interest for 2017 and the influences on European supply and demand dynamics.

Special publication: APLA Annual Meeting 2016

Latin America’s economies have been suffering but reforms are bringing some hope for an upturn in the chemical sector. The political, economic and industry perspectives are analysed in ICIS’s latest special report on the region, produced in association with APLA, the Latin American Petrochemical Association, on the occasion of its Annual Meeting this year in Buenos Aires.

ICIS Video: What is the outlook for the European energy markets this winter?

In this latest video, ICIS energy editors Jamie Stewart and Tom Marzec-Manser discuss what could happen on European power and gas markets later in the winter, when temperatures could drop further and boost energy demand.

Market Outlook: Mixed fortunes for global aromatics

Global aromatics markets have experienced mixed fortunes in 2016. US benzene markets have struggled with oversupply contrasted with a lack of liquidity in Europe. The future of the styrene market meanwhile seems to be looking up, following years of low growth and oversupply.

Ahead of the 15th World Aromatics and Derivatives Conference in Vienna this month, ICIS consultants Rob Peacock and Rhian O'Connor examine the markets and discuss key trends for the aromatics chains for the year ahead.

European titanium dioxide (TiO2) contract prices changed direction during the second and third quarters of 2016, following the substantial price erosion seen during Q4 2014 and early 2016. The improved market sentiment in Q2-Q3 2016 was helped by a widely acknowledged need for producers to restore lost profitability, amid some supply restrictions and better-than-expected demand in the first half of 2016.

Check out the updated ICIS infographic to see the most recent cost-cutting measures in 2016 and the impact on supply and demand.

On 10 October the Bundesrat, the German federal council, passed a resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on combustion engine cars by 2030. The resolution is non-binding. Nevertheless, it is a strong signal of intent that they believe the future of the automobiles is electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-fuel cells.

In this white paper we discuss the potential for a rapid expansion in carbon fibre growth, and the wider plastic growth opportunities this will create.

ICIS Infographic: Global Polyethylene Trade Flow For 2016

The first half of 2016 saw a double-digit increase in polyethylene (PE) imports into Europe when compared with the same period in 2015, as domestic demand grew but European production failed to keep up with this growth – shrinking instead.

In this Infographic, ICIS consultant Fabrizio Galié breaks down the figures for the main import and export destinations of the Americas, the Middle East and Africa and Asia in 2016, including whole-year estimates for PE movements.

ICIS Infographic: Polyethylene pre-K Trade Fair snapshot

Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) buyers in Europe are facing further price increases for 2017, particularly those with contracts linked to upstream ethylene and propylene, and discussions are expected be tough.

ICIS has created an infographic showing the current polyethylene (PE) situation in Europe, including spreads, production and current trends.

Global demand levels, market liquidity and increasing global supply were just a few of the talking points at the 50th EPCA meeting in Budapest this month. Chemical industry players from Europe and across the world gathered to discuss what lies ahead for their markets.

Our ICIS consultants give their views on what were the hot topics in the benzene, styrenics and polyolefins markets.

European Benzene Market Outlook - Truong Mellor

With benzene prices steady at the start of Q4 2016, European players at the 50th European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) meeting in Budapest, Hungary this year were anxious to discuss the various factors that will drive the market in 2017.

Whitepaper: The Netherlands’ new Groningen gas production plan

Low-calorific natural gas (L-gas) production in the northeastern Dutch province of Groningen has been a key concern for European gas market participants for the best part of two years. Mounting civil unrest around earth tremors associated with Groningen production has forced the government to overhaul its production strategy.

In this white paper, ICIS examines the detail of the new plan and how the Netherlands and the rest of northwest Europe will cope with reduced production of the unique L-gas that Groningen yields.

ICIS launches a new PVB Day-ahead price assessment

1 October saw the launch of Spain’s new balancing regime. Operating under the name Punto Virtual de Balance (PVB), trade at the hub is underpinned by new requirements that impose stronger penalties for imbalances.

Alongside its existing price assessments, ICIS’s new day-ahead product will track the development of this new market, offering the ability to compare the price of gas for day-ahead delivery with ICIS’s benchmark TTF and day-ahead products, as well as other key European spot assessments.

Ethylene glycol mid-year trade flow review infographic

This summer saw bearish market conditions for ethylene glycol (EG), as high import levels and the subsequent excess spot availability placed downward pressure on prices. Conditions improved in September, but recent developments may affect 2017 negotiations as they get underway on the sidelines of EPCA.

In light of this market uncertainty, ICIS has created a mid-year trade flow infographic, highlighting import and export volumes and destinations using data from Eurostat.

Butadiene mid-year trade flow review infographic

Europe strengthened its position as a net exporter in 2015 due to new butadiene (BD) capacities, but global trading conditions were subdued. This year, healthier demand has returned, allowing the full impact of capacity increases to be seen across Mexico, the US and South Korea.

To give you the complete picture, ICIS has created a mid-year trade flow infographic, highlighting import and export volumes and destinations using data from Eurostat.

Polyolefins, polystyrene, benzene and styrene market outlook for 2017

It’s time to look ahead to next year. Uncertainty over crude oil prices, market volatility and large-scale increases in global supply, all in the context of a hesitant economic recovery in Europe, are just some of the challenges likely to face European petrochemical markets. ICIS consultants give their views on what the future may hold for polyolefins, benzene, styrene and polystyrene markets in Europe next year.

September's macroeconomic news bulletin

The ICIS monthly Macroeconomic News Bulletin offers valuable insight and in-depth analysis on the latest macroeconomic developments both in Europe and globally. With original comment and articles by leading European banks, economic analysts and market specialists, see how the principal macroeconomic factors could affect and shape the petrochemical industry.

Infographic: Propylene mid-year trade flow review

It has been a couple of tempestuous years for the European propylene market. A tight market in the first half of 2015 due to a string of production fails left European derivatives poorly-placed in the global arena and subsequently demand reduced and supply lengthened considerably.

Rough is Britain’s largest storage site, accounting for over 70% of total British storage capacity. But this winter, the British gas market will not be able to rely on Rough after Centrica Storage announced the near-full shutdown of the site until March or April 2017.

ICIS looks at how Britain will cope with record low stock levels during the winter months.

Whitepaper: Europe jockeys for top benzene position

Readjustments to global benzene pricing earlier this year saw Europe become the most expensive region for the first time since 2011.

In his latest whitepaper, ICIS Consultant, Rob Peacock, reviews the first half of 2016 and explains what caused the market changes. He then goes on to explain the factors which will affect the market heading into 2017, including new aromatics capacity coming on stream and the restart of some idled facilities in southeast Asia.

Styrene mid-year trade flow review - infographic

While the US remains the key source of styrene imports arriving into the EU, H1 2016 saw an overall drop in volumes moving into the region despite some planned production closures. The restart of the 550,000 tonne/year ELLBA unit at Moerdijk in January 2016 helped rebalance some of the tightness in Europe, and a stronger Asian market earlier in 2016 also diverted US material away from Europe. This also led to more styrene exports leaving the EU in H1 2016, with the opening of the eastbound arbitrage window.

US-based Dow Chemical has been named the ICIS Company of the Year

US-based Dow Chemical has been named the ICIS Company of the Year, based on financial metrics, by weekly global publication ICIS Chemical Business. The selection takes into account year-on-year growth in profits at the operating and net levels, as well as margins in 2015.

Benzene mid-year trade flow review - infographic

EU benzene imports continued the growth trend of recent years and were up again in H1 2016 compared to the same period last year, with strong prices earlier in 2016 helping pull volumes from other regions. More capacity coming online in Saudi Arabia and India should also see additional volumes making their way into the EU by 2017. Meanwhile, EU benzene exports saw a considerable drop in H1 2016 compared to the previous year, with reduced extraction capacity in Europe and the firmer domestic prices limiting opportunities to move material out of the region.

Whitepaper - Automotive 2020 EU car emissions

The 'death of diesel' has once again come into the spotlight and new EU emissions testing regimes make it an unlikely route to achieving 2020/2021 CO2 targets. In this white paper ICIS discusses how and why this will lead to a significant increase in European plastics demand.

Introducing the ICIS Top 100 Chemical Companies of 2016

The ICIS Top 100 Chemical Companies is a ranking of the world’s largest chemical producers by sales. The listing includes both public and private companies, as well as additional metrics on operating profit, net income, capital expenditures, R&D spending, as well as total assets and employees.

Ethylene mid-year trade flow review infographic

Europe’s ethylene landscape has been more fluid and dynamic over the past two years than ever before. The advent of low oil prices in Q4 2014 led to record cracker margins, strong demand, and increased operating rates, which in turn was considered a factor in the unprecedented number of production problems in 2015.

This mid-year trade flow review infographic using data from Eurostat demonstrates how Europe has managed the rollercoaster environment.

Whitepaper: Opinions split over Brexit effect on the petrochemicals market

This ICIS whitepaper looks at the impact that Britain’s exit (Brexit) from the EU could have on the petrochemicals market, including pricing, trade regulations, production levels and demand.

It also looks at the effect that the referendum has already had on the industry and the wider economy, such as interest and exchange rates and includes input from a selection of petrochemicals market participants, as well as insight from analysts, industry groups and trading bodies.

Market outlook: June set for an erosion of PE and PP producers’ margins

As prices near settlement for European PE (Polyethylene) and PP (Polypropylene) in June, buyers remain confident that they will be able to make a dent in producers’ margins, despite price hikes for ethylene and propylene

Senior Editor Linda Naylor explores the market situation and outlook, to give you an insight into the likely direction of prices for June and July.

2025: The Petrochemical Odyssey

During the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2016, ICIS presented a paper examining the past, present and future of the petrochemical industry over a period of nearly 50 years. We have made this presentation available for you to download.

French strikes infographic: what are the impacts on the petrochemical industry?

Strikes in France have been ongoing since 18 May and were stepped up on 26 May as nuclear power workers joined the fray. As the action has intensified the impact on petrochemicals has grown. This ICIS infographic shows the effects on refinery output and particularly on the country’s olefins and polymers production capability.

Market Outlook - 'Asia polyethylene: the calm before the storm?'

China consumption of polyethylene (PE) grew strongly in 2015 and into 2016 as China boosted availability of consumer credit, but if China should fall too deeply into debt, GDP growth would slow – and with it, PE and polypropylene (PP) consumption.

Oversupply has put a lot of pressure on the Asian aromatics sector during 2015 and 2016. However, lower oil and naphtha prices are now providing some relief and bolstering margins. But how long can this last, given that new benzene capacity is expected onstream in the second half of the year and the demand outlook is sluggish amid the economic slowdown in China?

New whitepaper on how the Middle East is impacting global PE/PP markets

The scale-up of new polymer plants in the Middle East will have a huge impact on global polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets. These will include in particular PP from Borouge 3 in Abu Dhabi and PE from Sadara in Saudi Arabia.

Another factor set to significantly impact global polymer markets is the lifting of sanctions in Iran, which will speed-up polymer investments in the country.

Download the white paper to read about the historical and forecast evolution of polyolefin supply and demand in the Middle East

Prices for propylene oxide (PO) derivatives, monopropylene glycol (MPG) and di-propylene glycol (DPG), have increased in April, as a series of plant turnarounds have impacted PO supply. The largest hikes were seen for DPG for structural supply-related reasons.

This animated infographic illustrates the spate of PO/MPG plant maintenance turnarounds for a number of suppliers during the spring as well as other PO-related news.

Whitepaper: Has benzene's price floor been reached?

ICIS Consulting believes a price floor has been reached for benzene after contracts increased for the first time this year in all three regions. Stronger crude oil and feedstock prices as well as healthy demand from downstream styrene markets will support higher prices in the second quarter of 2016.

Now available: Ethylene price forecast window

The ICIS ethylene price forecast windows (available for Asia, Europe and the US) will provide you with independent and trusted insight on the regional market outlooks for ethylene; allowing you review your market position, make improved buying or selling decisions, plan for production or investment activity and negotiate better contracts.

ICIS Carbon Market Seminar 2016

ICIS Tschach Solutions is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a Carbon Market Seminar in September in London.

The Carbon Market Seminar will provide you with the opportunity to meet with EU ETS market movers and discuss where prices are heading. This event will be divided into two sessions. There will be a complimentary drinks reception taking place after the International session on September 28 from 17:30 - 19:30 GMT.

Special supplement: Shale projects face macro challenge

ICIS examines developments in US petrochemicals in a special publication produced in association with AFPM for its annual conference in Dallas. Cracker projects, the search for talent and diversity and the AFPM’s work on regulations are discussed in detail

The Three Problems that Plague the Petrochain - webinar

Join Senior Editor of Refined Oil Products, Cuckoo James, as she discusses the three significant problems that plague the oil markets – including the foreign exchange factor, the myth of demand growth and the return of Iran into the global oil landscape. She briefly touches on the downstream petrochemical chain.

ICIS European Ethylene Review of 2015

European LNG Terminals - infographic

The ICIS European LNG terminal infographic sources data from ICIS shipping platform LNG Edge to give a complete overview of European LNG imports and re-exports over 2014 and 2015. The infographic provides an up-to-date view on vessel movements in a European market that is of increasing interest to global LNG sellers and buyers as new production starts up in Australia and the US. It can be used as an easy reference tool, also providing details on terminal location, size and operators.

ICIS Top 40 Power Players 2015

ICIS Training

ICIS offers a slew of training courses that run across the globe, to give market players the knowledge and understanding needed to operate more confidently in the global chemical markets. Planned and led by ICIS experts, we provide fundamental insights for the following courses:

ICIS is proud to present the ICIS Company of the Year 2015

ICIS blogger Paul Hodges recently interviewed in MoneyWeek ‘How to invest during the Great Unwind’

“His crystal ball works so much better than everyone else's”

“The last time I met with Paul Hodges, chairman of International eChem (IeC) and an expert on the economic impact of demographics, he told me that deflation was coming; that we should all buy more gilts; and that if you held shares in Tesco you should dump them."

He was right on all those things. Last year he sent me a report he wrote saying the oil price was about to plummet. He saw it falling to $50 a barrel in the first half of this year. That, clearly, has happened already."